The same principles apply for heifers which should be
at a condition score of 2.5 to 3.5 at first service for a
high conception rate. The conception rate of heifers at
condition scores of less than 2.0 should improve when
they are fed additional feed for about 12 weeks before
insemination. On the other hand, overfat heifers will
also have poor conception rates. Feeding of heifers
should ensure an even growth rate to first service rather than to fix poor growth rates at the time of first
service.
Descriptions of condition scores
The technique of condition scoring entails using a
hands-on method, i.e. feeling with the finger tips pressing down judging the amount of fatty tissue under the
skin at the tail head area and loin area. The feeling is
compared to previous described definitions for each
condition score . The following definitions could be
used as guidelines:
Condition score 1:
There is a deep cavity under the tail and around the
tailhead and no fatty tissue is felt under the skin. The
skin is drawn tight over the pelvic bones and the coat
condition may be rough. There is no tissue detectable
underneath the skin. The short ribs in the loin area are
sharp and clearly visible and can be felt easily. No fatty
tissue is felt under the skin. The cavity between the
backbone and transverse processes is deep. The animal
looks emaciated.
Condition score 5:
The cavity around the tail head is small and fatty tissue
can be felt easily. The pelvic bone can still be felt easily. The ends of the transverse processes feels more
round and the top surface of the transfers processes
can be felt only with firm pressure. The cavity between
the backbone and transverse processes is shallow although still visible.
Condition score 7:
The cavity around the tail head is not visible and fatty
tissue can be felt easily. The pelvic bone can be felt
although only with firm pressure. The ends of the tranverse processes are very round and can only be felt by
using firm pressure. The cavity between the backbone
and tranverse processes is filled up with fatty tissues.
Condition score 3:
The cavity around the tail head is shallow with little fat
covering the bones in the tail head area. The skin feels
supple and can be pinched (picked-up) using finger
tips. The pelvic bones can be felt easily. The ends of the
transverse processes feels rounded but the upper surfaces are only felt with pressure. There is depression
visible in the loin area between the backbone and the
transverse processes.